Softball Working Hard

During the Fall Season, the softball program will recognize a Softball Player of the Week which highlights a student/athlete's hard work on and off the field.

Our first recipient this Fall is Sophomore Centerfielder, Maddie LeGrys. When Maddie arrived to campus last Fall after transferring from the University of Akron, Head Coach Jason Kern wanted her to become more of a natural hitter and less of a slapper, which was an adjustment that Maddie struggled with at first. "She looked lost at times and you can tell she was getting so frustrated with trying something new", Kern recalls. "I remember pulling her aside during a practice in the winter and we just had a heart to heart and she seemed very overwhelmed. I was hoping to get more games in this past Spring to help her confidence." Fast forward through the rest of spring and summer, Coach Kern has high marks for Maddie. "During our first batting practice, the ball was jumping off her bat. Line drive shots down the line, able to spray the ball the entire field and hitting shots off the wall in right field. All done without slapping." During the combine training during the first full week, Maddie was able to be in the top 3 in 4 of the 5 combine events. "We always knew Maddie could run and play defense, but now we are seeing her grow as a player and as a young lady. She is getting more comfortable, more confident, more interactive with teammates and she is becoming a threat at the plate. And I think that creates a problem for opponents."

Hometown: St Marys, Pa
High School: St Marys
Jersey Number: 26
Throws: Right
Bats: Left
Position: CF
Class: Sophomore
Major: Applied Materials Engineering